Tone coloring or distortion in bypass mode

[dragonworks]

I have an ART ECC command center. Even in bypass mode it adds distortion to my guitar. I never noticed it live but discovered it while recording direct in using it. Is this true of all stomp boxes etc???? It sounds like I am playing through a speaker whose voice coil is rubbing.
Actually I dont know why I bought this thing I have not been happy with it at all.

 

[guhlenn]

yeah. that's the problem with effects... there's no such thing as true bypass... the rocktron replifex has one... it just cuts out the fx from the chain... but you pay for that option ...

guhlenn